Perhaps feeling a little bit smug after experiencing 10.9% growth in its smartphone division in September and October, Samsung has gone and hired former RIM executive Marcus Stone. Having previously worked in sales and marketing for RIM, Stone’s business card will say that he’s the Head of Smartphones for UK and Ireland. His assigned task is to help develop and oversee what Samsung General Manager Derek Williamson is billing as some “incredible products for next year.” Another Samsung hire is Nick France, who will assume the role of Business Solutions Sales Manager. There’s no doubt that Samsung can make one hell of a handset, but is it one of the first five companies you think of when you hear smartphone? Didn’t think so.
